Passengers at Nigeria�s two busiest airports�the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja�have expressed mounting anxiety and confusion following the announcement of an impending indefinite strike by workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), set to commence at midnight on Tuesday.
The looming strike has cast a shadow over flight operations nationwide, with aviation experts and industry stakeholders warning of widespread disruptions if the industrial action proceeds as planned. Meteorological clearance from NiMet is a critical prerequisite for all flight takeoffs and landings in Nigeria, meaning that any disruption to NiMet�s operations could effectively ground flights and paralyze air traffic.
The announcement has left many passengers in a state of uncertainty, as reports vary over the exact timing and extent of the strike. While some travelers expressed fear that the strike had already begun, others remained unsure whether to proceed with their travel plans.
�I�ve prayed three times today. I�m even fasting�I won�t break the fast until I land safely at my destination,� said Mrs. Adedire Airin, a visibly distressed passenger at the Lagos airport. �What I�m traveling for is extremely important; otherwise, I would�ve postponed this journey. I�ve asked several staff members here, but none could give me a definite answer about when the strike is starting. I�ve left it all to God now, but I�m also begging the government to step in and avoid any tragic incident.�
Another traveler at the Lagos terminal, a woman who identified herself only as Aderinsola, echoed similar sentiments. �I should have flown out yesterday, and I really can�t afford another delay. Some people say the strike starts today, others say it begins tomorrow. It�s scary because no one seems to know for sure. I�m just praying for safety.�
In Abuja, passengers also voiced growing concern. John Thompson, who was waiting to board a flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, said he had been informed that the strike would begin at midnight. He appealed to the striking unions to reconsider their action in the interest of public safety.
�We were told here that the strike will take effect from midnight. I really hope the unions and the authorities can resolve this peacefully. Flights should not be disrupted over issues that could be negotiated,� Thompson said.
The proposed strike is being spearheaded by three major unions: the Union of Air Transport Employees (UATE), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE). In a strongly worded joint letter, the unions accused NiMet management of repeatedly reneging on promises to address long-standing grievances, particularly related to what they describe as �exceedingly unjust� remuneration practices.
�As you are all aware, our unions have strived strenuously over the past few years to alleviate the exceedingly unjust remunerations conundrum that has visited extreme poverty and consequent untold hardship on NiMet workers. These efforts have been largely without substantial results,� the letter read.
The unions further expressed frustration with NiMet�s failure to uphold a partial agreement reached on January 28, 2025, which was meant to temporarily ease the workers� financial hardship.
�You are equally aware that the agreement between the management and our unions since 28th January 2025 towards partial amelioration of the above-stated condition has been honoured largely only in the breach,� the unions stated.
Aviation authorities and airline operators are on high alert as the midnight deadline approaches, with some scrambling to complete scheduled flights before the strike takes effect. Industry insiders warn that unless the government intervenes quickly, the disruption could have a domino effect on commercial aviation, potentially affecting thousands of passengers, cargo schedules, and even international connections.
As of press time, there had been no official response from NiMet management regarding the strike notice. However, pressure is mounting on the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to initiate emergency dialogue with the striking unions to prevent a total shutdown of air travel across the country.
With both airports operating in a tense atmosphere and passengers growing more restless by the hour, the fate of Nigeria�s airspace now hangs in the balance.
